After another fantastic year around Massachusetts, we present the 2025 NEFJ All-State teams. Credit to Tyler Amaral, who the majority of the work on this. The talent in the region has never been better, and this list proves that. Congratulations to everyone that made it and we can’t wait to see you all in 2026! First Team Offense QB: Will Wood, Jr., Xaverian RB: Jack Fabiano, Sr., Masconomet RB: Gianni……
Munford embraces role as sixth offensive lineman in Patriots heavy package
FOXBOROUGH- Patriots offensive tackle Thayer Munford has been here before, literally and figuratively. Munford is in his second stint with the Patriots this season after spending time with the Cleveland Browns earlier in the season. Originally drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Munford is familiar with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels after playing for him in Las Vegas. After three seasons in Vegas, Munford was released and signed…
Does Boston/New England vs. Houston Constitute A Sports Rivalry?
By John Sapochetti NEFJ Contributor In the long, storied history of Boston sports, there have been many individual team rivalries. Red Sox – Yankees is the greatest rivalry in Major League Baseball. The Celtics, winners of 18 NBA Championships, have had decades long duels with the Philadelphia 76ersand the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bruins, most natural rival is the Montréal Canadiens. Although, for the first 60 years of this matchup,…
Mike Hart to be named running backs coach at Boston College
Boston College is expected to hire Mike Hart as its new running backs coach. The news, was first reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Hart, the all-time leading rusher in Michigan history, arrives at Alumni Stadium with an elite pedigree as both a record-breaking player and a championship-winning assistant.
McDaniels not overthinking first playoff matchup against his brother
Josh and Ben McDaniels have coached against each other in the NFL before. But, not with the stakes this high. The offensive coordinator of the Patriots and wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Texans will square off in a meeting of the minds in a playoff game for the first time. Josh obviously has much more experience in these big game situations and rings to show for…
UConn picks up commitment from former Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger
UConn has added a significant piece in the transfer portal as former Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger officially committed to the Huskies earlier today. The commitment is a major acquisition for new head coach Jason Candle, who is looking to infuse the roster with high-level talent as he begins his tenure in Storrs.
Talking Ball with Dajzuan Johnson on his commitment to Wake Forest
I got a chance to catch up with former Minnechaug stand out Dajzuan Johnson about his recent decision to transfer from UNH and commit to Wake Forest.
Merrimack adds former UMass quarterback A.J Hairston in the transfer portal
Courtesy of A.J Hairston The Merrimack College football program has secured a pivotal piece for its future offensive success on Wednesday, as former University of Massachusetts quarterback A.J. Hairston officially announced his commitment to the Warriors via the transfer portal. The move brings a high-upside signal-caller with FBS starting experience to North Andover, providing head coach Mike Gennetti and his staff with a physically gifted athlete capable of leading the……
Ayden Pereira commits to Georgia State
Former Merrimack and Maine signal-caller Ayden Pereira officially committed to Georgia State on Sunday. The New Hampshire native and former Central Catholic standout arrives in Atlanta as a mid-year enrollee with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Pereira brings his dual-threat capabilities to the Sun Belt Conference.
Coaching matchup In Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round contest pits a pair of true alphas
By John Sapochetti NEFJ Contributor One of the most used phrases in football is, “It’s not about the X’s and O’s, but the Ja’Marr’s and the Joes.” Sorry for the editorial license, I couldn’t resist. While being poetic and partially true, coaching does have a massive impact in the fortunes of a football team. To prove that point, look to the sidelines on Sunday at 3:00 when the 15-3 New…